The Arabian Horse Center The Arabian Horse Center

17 Pages·2011·11.46 MB·English

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
magazine
Fall 2011
The Arabian Horse Center
gets an EXTREME makeover
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FEATURE STORY | 20
The Arabian Horse Center Gets An
EXTREME Makeover!
For decades the W. K. Kellogg Arabian Horse
Center has been the cornerstone of Cal Poly
Pomona. In recent months, the 37 year old
Center has undergone some major changes.
Megan Herr is walking CP Tatiana on new rubber
bark made from recycled tires.
DEPARTMENTS SPOTLIGHT STORY | 10
Ag Education: Preparing Future
Dean’s Message | 2 Teachers to Meet a Growing Student
College News | 3 Population
Ag Ambassador & Peer Advisor News | 13
Development | 14
Honor Roll Of Donors | 15
Research Highlights | 16
ARI Research | 17
In Memoriam | 19
Faculty & Staff Achievements | 22
Student Achievements | 24
Alumni News | 27 Photo provided by FMAM Dept.
Directory | 29
The Ag Education program helps coordinate FFA
activities each year. FFA leadership activities are
On the cover: Nicole Webber practices jumping in a major component of high school ag education
the new arena at the Arabian Horse Center.
programs.
AGRICOLUMN MAGAZINE | FALL 2011 | WWW.CSUPOMONA.EDU/AGRI 1
COLLEGE NEWS
A Few Words From The Dean
Tour the College of Ag
Via the Web
Greetings everyone! It has been a very exciting year
With just the click of the mouse, prospective
for the College of Agriculture. We were successful this
students and their families will soon be able
past year in hiring five new faculty members who will
to take a virtual tour of the W. K. Kellogg
join our ranks as new professors in our college. Our
Arabian Horse Center, sit in on a class at
department search committees did a wonderful job in
the Meats Lab, watch apparel students
recruiting and selecting a group of top notch academic
model their creations, learn first hand about
colleagues. Please read the biographical sketches of our
careers in the field of dietetics, and much
latest faculty members beginning on page 7. We have
more. During the 2011 spring and summer
also recruited our largest entering class this fall. Over
quarters, student-created YouTube videos
350 new first time freshmen, transfer students and new
and Flickr photo albums for the College’s
graduate students are currently enrolled to swell our
web pages were developed to give
student ranks to over 1,700 students. This makes our
prospective students a sneak preview of
College of Agriculture the second largest undergraduate agricultural program in
what life is like in the College of Agriculture
the state. To meet our new teaching demand, the College has successfully raised
at Cal Poly Pomona. The newly designed
60% of our Comprehensive Campaign goal of $26 million and is poised to complete
program pages should be ready by the end
our target of raising $10 million over the next two years. These funds will help the
of fall quarter so be sure to log on to www.
College of Agriculture add important additional facilities such as a new animal clinic,
csupomona.edu/agri in December and take
laboratory space, a food pilot plant for product development and testing, upgrading
a fresh look at the College through the eyes
our animal facilities, and building renovations, to name just a few. These additions
of our students.
will provide us with more teaching infrastructure and give our students a much is a publication of the
stronger hands-on educational experience. College of Agriculture
at Cal Poly Pomona

Agribusiness Marketing Team Wins National Competition
Our hard working faculty have not only stepped up their teaching efforts but they
have also increased their research activity by applying for more than $4 million
in external grants and contracts. The increase in faculty research activity is up A marketing plan submitted by the College of Agriculture’s
over 46% from last year despite heavy state budget cuts to our university. Our Dr. Lester Young, Dean Agribusiness Marketing Team was selected as a
dedicated faculty and staff have continually worked extremely hard to maintain [email protected] winner in a national HSI (Hispanic Serving Institution)
quality educational programs while receiving fewer state funded resources. We Scholarship Competition sponsored by Sam’s Club. Over
Dr. Doug Lewis, Associate Dean
also have made some exciting changes and updates to our website, 250 teams participated; only five teams were selected
[email protected]
http://www.csupomona.edu/agri/, to make it more interactive and informative. and shared equally in the $100,000 cash prize.
Please take the time to visit us and let us know what you think. Janet Mundy, Editor
[email protected] Participants were asked to submit a business plan
I ask that you, friends and alumni of the College of Agriculture, help us realize our outlining how to market Sam’s Club to Hispanics.
Deanna Stewart, Graphic Designer
Comprehensive Campaign Goal over the next two years. We are becoming more The plan developed by Agribusiness & Food Industry
[email protected]
and more dependent on outside funding to keep our academic programs strong Management majors Kirrin Dolan, Samantha Pearson,
and relevant. Please help us succeed by pitching in. Tom Zasadzinski, Photographer and Brenda Trujillo outlined how Sam’s Club could
[email protected] become a local neighborhood Hispanic market with store Agribusiness Marketing Team from left to right: Brenda Trujillo, Samantha Pearson,
With warm regards, sizes ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 square feet. The Kirren Dolan and their advisor Rick Mathias
smaller units, organized to fit local needs, would enable
Our deepest appreciation to the
the company to become a local employer and provide greater accessibility to the local population. The cost to upgrade smaller
J. G. Boswell Foundation for the
stores would be lower and the time to operation would be shorter. These stores would offer Hispanic products such as Hispanic
Boswell Grant which covers the
cost of this publication. bakery goods, traditionally prepared dishes, and specialized meat cuts, as well as cooking/nutrition classes.
Sam’s Club covered travel expenses for the students and their advisor, Mr. Rick Mathias, to attend a special awards banquet
in Washington, D.C. on November 9. They also had an opportunity to attend diversity management seminars and network with
executives in attendance.
Pictured Above: Alfredo Del Real,
a plant science major, harvests
tomatoes at the hydroponic green
2 COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE | CALIFORNIA STATE POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY, POMONA house at Agriscapes. AGRICOLUMN MAGAZINE | FALL 2011 | WWW.CSUPOMONA.EDU/AGRI 3
COLLEGE NEWS
10th
The Farm Store Celebrates Its Anniversary The Farm Store Heats Up the Summer with Ghost Peppers
“It’s a great store! Everybody should shop here!” says Dawn Taccone who is in her fifth
A student enterprise project attracted a lot of attention during the summer months. Not only did articles appear in local
year of managing the College of Agriculture’s Farm Store at Kellogg Ranch. The Farm
papers, but callers from as far away as China contacted the Farm Store about a tiny red pepper that was named the world’s
Store, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in September, is open seven days a week
hottest in the 2007 Guinness World Records.
and features the finest quality grocery products. Where else can you get vine-ripened
tomatoes year round, fresh-squeezed orange juice, award winning wine from grapes
Senior Plant Science major, Kirk Weatherton, learned of the Ghost Pepper from watching the food network on cable TV.
produced on campus, and student-designed apparel?
When Kirk, who runs the hydroponics operation at AGRIscapes, proposed growing them in the greenhouse, he ran into some
wart resistance from staff members who didn’t think they would sell. After the news hit the front page of the local papers, however,
The store is most famous for its fresh fruits and vegetables supplied by student e
St the Farm Store was unable to keep up with demand. Kirk quickly grew his operation from 6 to 23 plants and, continued to
enterprise projects, campus farming operations, and local growers. After having a na
an increase plantings as seeds became available from ripening peppers.
relaxing lunch at the store’s delicatessen, visitors can shop for a variety of fresh produce De
including oranges, lemons, avocados, corn, melons, and squash. Operations at the Strawberry Festival o by
ot Kirk and the Farm Store have fielded inquiries from local restaurants, produce companies, and
hydroponics greenhouse at AGRIscapes were expanded to keep up with demand for Ph
a number of people in the community who are into making salsa. “A lot of people bring in their
tomatoes, lettuce, and peppers. Cal Poly Pomona raised pork and beef products,
salsa to show us; a lot of them are in competitions,” explained Dawn Taccone, the Farm Store
nursery and ornamental crops, and a wide variety of organic and health foods are also
Manager. Kirk also considers it a novelty because this is not an item you can find in your local
available for purchase.
art grocery store.
w
e
Looking for a special one-of-a kind gift? St
a
n Originally from India, the Ghost Pepper, or Bhut Jolokia, averages just over 1 million heat units
Create your own gift pack or basket with your favorite an
De (SHU) on the Scoville scale compared to 200,000 units for habanero peppers and 5,500 units for
produce and specialty items from the Farm Store. Tractor and Car Show by
o jalapenos. The Ghost Pepper held on to its title until 2010 when it was surpassed by the Naga
These are especially popular during the holidays. To ot
h
P Viper which, on average, registers 300,000 points higher on the Scoville scale. “I wanted to
promote healthy eating, the Farm Store also takes
grow the hottest pepper in the world,” said Kirk, who was now on the hunt for Naga Viper seeds.
its fresh fruits and vegetables on the road to farmer’s
markets in Brea, Baldwin Park, Pasadena, Downey,
Kirk hopes his celebrity status and experience with hydroponics will help him get a job when
San Dimas, and Irvine (check the web site for days/
he graduates later this year. A former engineering student, Kirk also feels his engineering
times: www.csupomona.edu/farmstore). And we
background gives him an edge particularly in terms of understanding the technology, operation,
can’t forget the thousands of pumpkins that are grown
Plant Sciences major Kirk and maintenance of the equipment. In the meantime, he is training his replacement—Alfredo
each year for the annual Pumpkin Festival and the Weatherton holds some of his
prized Ghost peppers grown in Del Real, whose family plays a key role in pepper production in Mexico. So it appears the
fields of you-pick strawberries that are a favorite with
the AGRIscapes greenhouses. flaming fruit with the powerful punch will continue to be available at affordable prices in the Farm
families at the Tractor and Classic Car show.
Store for the foreseeable future.
The Farm Store at Kellogg Ranch supports the learn-by-doing philosophy at Cal Poly
Pomona through sales of produce from student enterprise projects. A large portion Pumpkin Festival
Class Project Grows Community Relationships
of the proceeds from sales go back to the students to help finance their education.
These projects are not limited to produce. Students in the Meat Science Club created
Broncowurst, a special sausage with the green and gold colors of the University thanks
Farm Store Events Over 4,000 vegetable and herb seedlings
to a little parsley and yellow seeds. Apparel Merchandising & Management students
were donated to the Messiah Nutritional
have created their own clothing line and are responsible for designing their own display
Tractor & Car Show and Assistance and Human Development
at the Farm Store. The Farm Store also employs approximately 20 students where they
Strawberry Festival Foundation in Watts last fall and were used
learn about the retail grocery business while earning funds to cover their educational and
to create a community garden. Students in
living expenses. May 12, 2012
Dr. Terry Fujimoto’s PLT 131 lab prepared
20th Annual Pumpkin Festival
the seedlings and worked with Stephanie
The Farm Store started its 10th anniversary year on a high note with brisk summer sales October 20 & 21, 2012
Struckus and Jonathan Berk of Rebuilding
and ending the previous fiscal year with the highest sales ever in the history of the store.
*Go to our website to sign up for Together Greater Los Angeles, a nonprofit
More and more people are discovering the store and when they do, they’re hooked, said
our specials and events email list. organization, to transport the plants to the
Dawn—and for good reason. “We have the best produce that you can find.”
It’s easy! Foundation. Donated plants included
www.csupomona.edu/farmstore collards, spinach, cabbage, lettuce, and kale.
Photo provided by Plant Science Dept.
4 COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE | CALIFORNIA STATE POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY, POMONA AGRICOLUMN MAGAZINE | FALL 2011 | WWW.CSUPOMONA.EDU/AGRI 5
COLLEGE NEWS
Brian Thiel Racing Visits Cal Poly Pomona
Eight New Faculty and Staff
Former FFA members, Brian and Randi Thiel, are proud owners of a 4,000-acre Calrose medium grain rice farm in
Dr. Chitra Dabas
Pleasant Grove, California. They attribute their success to the skills and values they learned through their membership in
Apparel Merchandising & Management
the Future Farmers of America program. Brian, known primarily for his participation in nitro Funny Car racing, paid tribute
to this organization by displaying the FFA emblem on his car for the 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season. Brian
The Apparel Merchandising & Management (AMM) Department now has five full-time faculty to teach
and his car visited Cal Poly Pomona’s Farm Store last February. He talked with students and members of the community
and advise students in their growing program with the addition of Dr. Chitra Dabas. Dr. Dabas completed
about how he manages to race 22 national events around the country and also operate his farm. her Ph.D. and M. S. degrees in Retailing at Michigan State University. She also has a M.S. in Fashion
Management and an undergraduate degree in Fashion Designing along with significant apparel industry
experience as a merchandise manager in India. While enrolled in her Ph.D. program, she gained valuable
“I hope to visit Brian during the winter quarter with students from my Crop Quality and Utilization class,” said Department
teaching experience at the undergraduate and graduate level. In addition, she has been involved in
Chair Daniel Hostetler. “The same skills and values that made him a successful businessman through the FFA are the
independent and collaborative research projects in the fields of international retailing strategy, consumer
same ones we try to pass on to our students via leadership, ethics, and upper division coursework. It will be exciting to behavior and supply chain management.
have our students interact with him during the course of this field trip.”
“We are excited about this expansion to the AMM faculty,” said Dr. Peter Kilduff, Chair of the AMM Department. “Chitra’s
experience combines a background in the international apparel business, with a degree from a top university in the field, and
excellent classroom skills. Her area of specialization fits perfectly with the department’s requirements and dovetails well with other
faculty members, opening avenues for future research and teaching collaboration.”
2011 Annual Open House Draws Huge Crowd
On March 5, 2011, 860 new students, their families and teachers learned how to give pets CPR, handled a few creepy crawlers,
Dr. Kimberley Miller
witnessed juice being turned into “caviar,” and tested their AG IQ during the College of Agriculture’s annual Open House. Student
Agricultural Science
clubs and organizations encouraged future students to get involved in extracurricular activities. College faculty and staff as
well as staff members from Admissions and Financial Aid were on hand to answer questions. Ag Ambassadors conducted bus
An alumna of the College of Agriculture (B.S., M.S. Ag. Science, ’95, 97), Dr. Kim Miller returned
tours of the campus; visitors were treated to tours of the W. K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center, the greenhouse laboratories at
to her alma mater in August to serve as coordinator of the Agricultural Science program. Her
AGRIscapes, and the Residence Halls. The Farmstore was busy providing our guests with a sampling of tasty treats from the duties will include teaching and developing courses at the undergraduate and graduate level,
store. Visitors also had a chance to meet Bessy, our special guest from the Dairy Council of California and a “Cow Poly” expert in serving as director of the Agricultural Teacher Credential Program, and coordinating the Master’s
milk production. The College’s next Open House will take place on Saturday, March 3, 2012. Degree program in Agricultural Science. Dr. Miller will also supervise student teachers and plan/
conduct educational activities for the secondary agricultural teachers and FFA members in our
service area.
In the time between her graduation from Cal Poly Pomona and her return as a faculty member,
Dr. Miller earned a Doctorate in Education from Texas A&M University/Texas Tech University and gained 14 years of
experience teaching agriculture courses and serving as a FFA advisor at the high school level. Along the way she won
numerous teaching awards at the county, regional, and state levels. At Mission Viejo High School, she revitalized a
dying agriculture program and turned it into a four-year academy, increasing enrollment from 84 to over 300 students.
“She’s a great classroom teacher,” said Jack Havens, the University’s liaison with the State Department of Education.
Dean Les Young agrees: “Dr. Kim Miller brings a wealth of experience as a recognized outstanding educational leader
from the California Agriculture Teachers Association – Southern Region.” “She knows and understands agricultural
education programs in unique, non-traditional, urban communities,” added Prof. Dan Hostetler. “Under her leadership,
this program will grow and flourish.”
Mr. Duncan McKee
Plant Sciences
An alumnus who obtained his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Ornamental Horticulture and Plant Science, Duncan
Photo provided by HNFS Dept.
McKee was selected to serve as the Instructional Support Technician III for the Plant Science Department.
b
b A seasoned professional with more than 20 years experience in the wholesale and retail nursery/landscape
o
e R Dietetics majors volunteered at the “Meet Your Neighbor” construction and maintenance industries, Mr. McKee’s laboratory experience includes working in plant
Mari community event on Oct. 9, 2010, sponsored by Weed pathology, plant tissue culture, and soil science. As a Graduate Assistant in the Department, he became
by skilled in safety procedures and training students in the responsible use of equipment and chemicals.
o and Seed and the Pomona Police Department to foster
ot
Ph community engagement and well-being. Our students In his position, Mr. McKee provides instructional support to the faculty and students in the Department,
provided nutrition information in a fun and informative way. including inventory management; maintaining, overseeing and repairing instructional equipment; and assisting faculty and students
A prospective student at Open House learns how chemistry
with laboratories, lectures, and research projects. He will also serve as the Department’s safety coordinator, which includes
is used to create artificial, edible beads commonly used to
make foods more appealing in the restaurant industry. managing a large hazardous materials inventory.
6 COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE | CALIFORNIA STATE POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY, POMONA AGRICOLUMN MAGAZINE | FALL 2011 | WWW.CSUPOMONA.EDU/AGRI 7
Dr. Yao Olive Li Dr. L. Allen Pettey Mr. Anthony Estep
Human Nutrition & Food Science Animal & Veterinary Sciences Animal & Veterinary Sciences
Prior to joining the faculty of the Human Dr. Allen Pettey’s knowledge of Mr. Anthony Estep filled the vacancy left by Ms. Linda Schmidt who retired last year after 21 years overseeing the
Nutrition & Food Science Department, small ruminant and swine nutrition/ Beef Unit in the Animal & Veterinary Sciences Department. Mr. Estep has an undergraduate degree in Animal
Dr. Y. Olive Li served as a research physiology/management as well as Science/Production Management from Cal State University, Fresno. Before his appointment at Cal Poly Pomona,
assistant professor in the School of his extensive experience in livestock Mr. Estep was the animal technician at the 115-acre equine facility at University of California, Davis, which
Agriculture & Consumer Sciences at evaluation and management were houses 200-250 horses. Prior experience also includes serving as the assistant intercollegiate rodeo coach at
Tennessee State University (TSU). a welcome addition to the Animal & Cal State Fresno. Professional accomplishments and activities include membership in the Professional Rodeo
In addition to teaching at TSU, Dr. Li Veterinary Sciences Department. Dr. Cowboys Association and the California Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association, and past Calf Roping Director
was not only in charge of reactivating Pettey earned his M.S. and Ph.D. of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association.
and revamping activities for an degrees in swine nutrition from
undergraduate program in agriculture Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Mr. Estep will be responsible for herd health and maintenance, assisting faculty with instruction of classes and laboratories and faculty/
science, with a food technology and the University of Kentucky, students with research projects, and maintaining the facility and equipment. “He is an excellent asset to the department and is always
concentration, but was involved in the Lexington, respectively. Prior to his willing to go above and beyond in making sure things get done.,” explained Dr. Broc Sandelin, Chair of the Animal & Veterinary Sciences
development of new courses in her appointment at Cal Poly Pomona in Department. “He is one of those guys that can do just about anything, and if he doesn’t know he will take the time and figure it out.” In
College as well as a team effort to January 2011, he was an assistant professor at Cal Poly addition, “he also volunteers his time to help out the Cal Poly Rodeo.”
create a nano-focused senior level course in the College of University, San Luis Obispo, where he was particularly
Engineering. successful in involving undergraduate students in research
projects. He also served as the supervisor of their Swine
Dr. Li earned her Ph.D. and Master of Applied Science Research and Education Center.
degrees in Food Engineering at the University of Toronto,
Canada. She also holds a Master of Engineering degree in “This spring, Allen took the reins as faculty supervisor of our
Biochemical Engineering from Dalian University of Technology, sheep and swine units,” said Dr. Broc Sandelin, Department
China. She worked as a research engineer for three years at Chair. “In this short time, he has been successful in
Dalian Polytechnic University in China on a research project obtaining some high quality genetics to improve our sheep
funded by the Natural Science Foundation of China and gained flock and swine herd. This will not only help bring revenue
extensive research experience working on cutting edge into the Department to support our academic mission, but
projects as a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Toronto also allows our livestock show team to show some top
from 2002-2008. “Dr. Li’s extensive research experience in quality sheep and swine. Dr. Pettey’s research interests in
food engineering and applications to solve nutritional issues in swine production have huge potential, especially within the
developing countries is a great complement to the strengths biotechnology sector here in California.”
of other faculty in the Department,” said Dr. Martin Sancho-
Madriz, Department Chair. “She also increases our capacity
for collaborative projects with faculty in engineering interested Dr. Yvette Nout
in food related research.” Animal & Veterinary Sciences
Dr. Harmit Singh Originally from The Netherlands,
Human Nutrition & Food Science Dr. Yvette Nout joined the Animal Dr. Wayne R. Bidlack Dr. Richard S. Kaae
& Veterinary Sciences Department
in September to teach primarily in
In 1994, Dr. Wayne R. Bidlack accepted the position Over the years, literally thousands of students across
An experienced educator with an the area of equine sciences. Dr.
of Dean at a critical time for the College of Agriculture. the campus have learned about “Insects & Civilization,”
impressive track record in research, Nout has a Doctor of Veterinary
Faculty and staff had developed a strategic plan but from Dr. Richard Kaae. The immense popularity of the
Dr. Harmit Singh was appointed in Medicine degree from Utrecht
needed a leader with vision to help direct and revitalize course can be attributed to Dr. Kaae’s passion for the
September as an Associate Professor University, The Netherlands and a
the College. During his tenure as Dean, enrollments subject—along with classroom visits by members of his
in the Human Nutrition & Food Science Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Ohio
in the College increased 40%, a new program in Food own collection of insects and reptiles. Hired in 1972, Dr.
Department. Dr. Singh’s proven State University. She is also board
Science & Technology was implemented, research Kaae taught classes in entomology and pest management
success as a teacher of undergraduate certified in internal medicine and
grants increased nearly 42%, AGRIscapes became a for the Plant Science Department. For many years,
and graduate courses at Cal State emergency medicine. She has an
reality, and a new greenhouse teaching, research and he served as the coordinator of the Agricultural Biology
University, Los Angeles (CSULA), extensive knowledge of veterinary
production facility was completed. In recognition of his program and as the advisor to the Agricultural Biology
coupled with a strong background medicine, physiology, and equine science; an impressive
efforts, President Bob H. Suzuki presented Dr. Bidlack Club. He is probably best known for the College of
in chemistry made him the ideal record of high level research in the field of neurology;
with the prestigious Wang Family Excellence Award for Agriculture’s annual Insect Fair which he and Dr. Les
candidate to teach courses in the Food and has a large number of publications in peer-reviewed
Administrators in 2002. Young started in the early 90’s to raise funds in support
Science & Technology program. Dr. journals. Prior to her position at Cal Poly Pomona, Dr. Nout
of international travel for students who wanted to study
Singh earned his Ph.D. in Bio-Organic Chemistry, and his was an assistant researcher at the University of California,
Dr. Bidlack, who has a Ph.D. in biochemistry, joined insects and agriculture in other countries. Today, the
M.S. and B.S. degrees in Organic Chemistry and Chemistry, San Francisco and researcher/surgeon at the University of
the faculty of the Human Nutrition & Food Science Insect Fair is part of the College’s annual Pumpkin Festival
respectively, from Guru Nanak Dev University in India. He California Primate Consortium.
Department for the 2007/08 academic year and taught which brings approximately 30,000 visitors to campus
spent five years as a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of
upper division courses in nutrition. He plans to remain during the Festival weekend.
Grain Science and Industry and USDA-ARS-Grain Marketing “Dr. Nout brings a wealth of knowledge to the Animal
an active member of the Southern California Institute
and Production Research Center in Manhattan, Kansas. At Science Department,” said Dr. James Alderson, a professor
of Food Technologists and the national organization. Dr. Kaae chose to participate in the Faculty Early
CSULA, “Dr. Singh directed food science emphasis thesis in the Department and Director of the W. K. Kellogg Arabian
He will gradually transition into full retirement by taking Retirement program and, therefore, will continue to share
projects,” explained Department Chair Dr. Sancho-Madriz, Horse Center. “Her versatility will allow her to contribute to
advantage of the Faculty Early Retirement Program and his passion for insects with students each spring quarter
and was also successful in obtaining funds from USDA for the Equine Sciences, Animal Health Sciences, and Animal
will continue to teach for the department one quarter through the 2015/16 academic year.
his research there. He will continue his support of graduate Science programs. The Department is very honored to have
each year until the 2015/16 academic year.
programs at Cal Poly Pomona. “We are fortunate that Dr. garnered such a high quality professor with her academic
Singh has joined our faculty and we look forward to his credentials.”
contributions to our Department.”
8 COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE | CALIFORNIA STATE POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY, POMONA AGRICOLUMN MAGAZINE | FALL 2011 | WWW.CSUPOMONA.EDU/AGRI 9
AG EDUCATION
“In the history of ag education
, in 70-80 years, there has always been a shortage of ag
PREPARING FUTURE
teachers,” said Jack Havens, Cal Poly Pomona’s liaison with the State Department of Education. Although
the current economic environment and budget cuts have certainly had an impact, “I’d say every year those
TEACHERS to meet a
who really want jobs and are willing to move somewhere within California can find them,” said Mr. Havens
who is responsible for making sure positions in Southern California are filled with qualified teachers.
GROWING STUDENT
In California - where agriculture is the No. 1 industry - there are approximately 305 agriculture education
POPULATION
departments and about 700 agriculture teachers at high schools and community colleges. In California,
high school enrollments in agriculture education have been increasing at a steady pace and this is
expected to continue. One reason is that agriculture courses, like Ag Biology, meet California State University
entrance requirements and high school principals would prefer they be taught by agriculture rather than
science teachers “because they tend to be more involved with the students and provide more hands-on
education,” explained Mr. Havens. In addition, retiring baby boomers over the next several years will also
create openings for those interested in teaching agricultural education at the high school and community
college level.
Numerous opportunities exist to teach agricultural education outside of California.
“High schools in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin
Islands provide vocational agriculture training for over half a million students yearly.”
(Wikipedia.org) Dorothy Farias (M.S. Ag. Science, 2004) taught high school agriculture
courses and coached FFA teams on the east coast for three years before returning
to California where she now teaches in the College of Agriculture. “I was fortunate to
teach in Massachusetts at a vocational school devoted to agricultural disciplines,” said
Ms. Farias, “My education and experiences in California agriculture were unique and I
was able to bring a different perspective to the students.” In addition to her teaching
and coaching responsibilities, she “worked with other agriculture educators in the state
to create and align specific agricultural curricula.” Dorothy Farias
Cal Poly Pomona is one of five universities in California that prepares students to be agriculture education
instructors; the other institutions are U C Davis, CSU Fresno; CSU San Luis Obispo; and CSU Chico.
Ag Education – Going Beyond Classroom Instruction
Agricultural education programs at the secondary level are based on three components: classroom
instruction, Future Farmers of America (FFA) leadership activities, and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE)
Projects. Agriculture teachers of grades 9-12 serve as advisors for the local FFA* chapters at their schools,
“giving advice based on what they know about students’ needs and aspirations for the future,” explained Dr.
Kimberley Miller an alumna and a former high school agriculture education teacher who now coordinates
the Agricultural Science/Agricultural Education programs at Cal Poly Pomona. “The
opportunities in FFA are endless, from public speaking to judging teams to
leadership, grants, scholarships, award programs and much more.” Both SAE
and FFA provide opportunities for students to apply what they are learning in the
classroom to real-world projects, events, and activities.
Dr. Miller is looking forward to starting a Collegiate FFA Chapter here at Cal Poly
Pomona which would be open to all students on campus. “A new CFFA chapter
here will strengthen our bonds with our immediate region’s high school FFA
chapters and hopefully heighten interest in the Agricultural Science program
here at Cal Poly Pomona.”
* The National FFA Organization is a premier youth leadership organization with 507,753
members in 7,439 chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The
organization’s mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing
their potential for leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural
education. (www.ffa.org).
Angie Seaman, a Cal Poly Pomona alumna of the Ag Education Program, talks about
1th0e u s e oCfO feLrLtEiliGzeEr Os Fin A pGlaRnICtiUngLT bUoRxEe s | w CitAhL hIFeOr RANgI AB iSoTloAgTyE cPlaOsLsY aTEt CCHoNviInCa U HNigIVhE SRcShIToYo,l .POMONA AGRICOLUMN MAGAZINE | FALL 2011 | WWW.CSUPOMONA.EDU/AGRI 11
AG AMBASSADOR & PEER ADVISOR NEWS
Why Major in Agricultural Science
AGREES Peer Advisor Program
(Agricultural Education)?
PROVIDING A UNIQUE LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR AGGIES
“Cal Poly Pomona’s credo of ‘learn-by-doing’ is very
much exemplified in the College of Agriculture,” said Dr. The 2010-2011 Peer Advisors (from left) Jeannie Knuchell, Your college For the AGREES Peer Advisors the
Miller. “The courses I completed as an undergraduate, a Maria Moran, Rachael Fisher, Morgan Gray, Katie Steffen, “more” they learn outside the classroom
credential candidate, and a master’s student, were very Amanda Ford, and Tara Nichols. education is is quite a lot. They learn how to be a
much hands-on and ‘go out and do’ types of courses. I mentor, an advisor, a friend, to new
enjoyed the diverse opportunities outside of required more than what students entering Cal Poly Pomona.
They develop the skills needed to provide
major courses that help an individual gain the knowledge
this service, skills they will take with
desired in most any field of agriculture.” you learn in the
them beyond Cal Poly Pomona. And
they experience working as a team,
classroom
Angie Seaman completed student teaching two years with faculty, staff, and other students,
Angie Seaman, (Ag Science ‘08), is an agriculture ago and is currently the agricultural education instructor at to accomplish important goals for the
science teacher at Covina High School Covina High School. “I cannot imagine pursuing any other College.
career than being an agriculture science teacher and FFA
advisor. Cal Poly Pomona is so lucky to have someone like Kim Miller in the Agriculture Education (Program).
She is one of my mentors and I believe the Department, the College of Ag, and our careers will greatly It means a lot to be able to share my college experiences
benefit from her leadership.” My life as a Peer with the new incoming students and help them get a jump
Advisor was start here on campus. As a bonus, I was able to connect with
an event filled other students in the College of Ag sharing the same interest
Even if teaching is not your chosen career path, the Agricultural Science (AGS) major is still ideal for those experience that in leadership. I enjoyed my time being a Peer Advisor
who like variety. According to Dr. Miller, “The beauty of the AGS major is that a student is exposed to My life as a Peer I will always so much I am doing it a second year.
opportunities in four major facets of agriculture: plant science, animal science, agricultural business, and Advisor meant look back on Rachael Fisher
mechanized agriculture—it’s like four majors in one!” Graduates of the program are also working in the being a support with warmth and
system to my class gratitude. Thank
lrFievoelar sttthiooocnsske aa wnnhddo pd wraoaimrny toi nttodio utnessta,r icmehsa,, mnDara.g Mninailglge iwrn tgien leflser iepedse, o saptonledre tswh aoanrtk dsinh gset o fhocark syth a“etrhd Ue aS gDurAce.ta io tenss,t wjoobr koinng t hine a pglaricnueltt.u” r aBle pcuabulisce oriwnefa mtfnhreeteemsirdh b smtehoero gnbei.evs Iei, n agthn edm yseeotnxuuprdi ectehorniee atdnsll c wmoehf y aot ht eC al AGOS A2Fo0M 1TBn0HA-iE2aS0 Y S1RE1A AiDoROsR
all the advice and Poly.
agriculture touches everyone’s life, “What better subject to teach to tomorrow’s leaders? Agriculture tips that I wish I had Tara Nichols
teachers have the opportunity to include leadership education, coach competitive teams, and travel with
known. It was truly
their students. I say, no better way to get to know students, learn about their hopes and goals for the future, rewarding and fun!
and build an outstanding program with them and for them.” Amanda Ford The 2010-2011 Ag Ambassadors (from left)
Emely Maravilla, Elizabeth Burdman, Alexis
Pena, Alma Linda Flores, Ashley Martinez,
“My teaching philosophy and goals as an educator came as a result of my CPP education,” said Ms. Farias. Pamela Flores, Skylar Matthews, Sonia
Rios, Gabriel Barrios, Aaron Price, Gabby
“I strive to help my students think outside the box, ask questions, and seek to better the system of agriculture Bartolon, Miguel Macias, Brittany
as we know it. I’ve learned as much as I’ve taught, and that is the biggest benefit of my CPP education.” Whitfield, Merilyn Montes, Lilibeth
Katigbak, Alexis Banuelos
The FFA organization is
a major component of
agriculture education
programs. Here, high school
students examine rabbits as
part of the activities at the
Information request cards? Check.
Los Angeles County Fair Day Miller Pencils? Check. The 2010-2011 Agriculture Ambassadors, serving as student recruitment ambassadors for the
m Van keys, map, and travel papers? College of Agriculture, hit the road and visited 36 high schools in central and southern California last year.
September 17, 2011. o by Ki CHECK, CHECK, CHECK. Tsehtetiyn ga lyseoa pra! r Fticoirp tahteeidr einff o3r5t sa, d1d3it Aiogn aAlm rebcarsusitamdeonrst aaccthivieitvieesd t oS traera Acgh Aa mtobtaals osaf doover rs t4a6tu0s0 bsytu cdoemntpsl-e-atin rge cfiovred
hot activities in a given quarter. Sonia Rios was recognized as the Ag Ambassador of the Year for her 9 school
P
visits, 10 other activities, and total of 179 hours volunteered.
Along the way, the Ag Ambassadors bonded with one another and created life-long memories. When asked “What will you take away from your Ag
Ambassador experience?” they replied “funny memories shared on the road, great friends, self-improvement, public speaking skills, contributions to
the College of Ag, and helping high school students really consider college as an option.”
12 COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE | CALIFORNIA STATE POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY, POMONA
DEVELOPMENT HONOR ROLL OF DONORS
Businesses Spears Manufacturing Brett Chandler Rachmil Hakman Paul Magiera John Rutherford
Sports Turf Managers Sharon Chapman Cheryl Hall Mary Mangrich Thomas Rutherford
Albertson’s
StaffEase, Inc. Shin Chen Rusty Hall Jilliana Marquez Jodi Sandoval
American Apparel
Starbucks Coffee Co. James Coburn Kathleen Ham Richard Mayer James Sanseverino
THANK YOU Education Foundation
State Farm Companies Karin Cohen Anne Harbord Kim Mayhew Kelly Sarraf
Anita L. Childs Family Trust
Stephen A. Sacks, M. D. Melissa Cole Kerry Hardwick Renee McCone Kathy Satterfield
Anritsu
Sunridge Nurseries Carol Collins Mark Hargreaves George McEwen Linda Schmidt
Blue Financial Group
Superior Irrigation Jeffrey Corcorran John Harroun Carol McIntyre Marvin Seaman
Boyd Gaming Corporation
F O R Y O U R S U P P O R T California Agricultural T.E.L. Foundation Dennis Creed Mary Hart Neale McNutt Susan Seats
Target John Creed Robert Hart Felix Mercado Carol Seely
Leadership Fdn
The Bank of America Fdn John Crouch Wilson Hasan Jerry Meyers Gary Settle
CAPCA Ventura County
The H & S Foundation Barbara Crowe Paige Hashimoto Fehmi Midani Albert Sharp
In the season of giving thanks, the College of Agriculture (CoA) would like CNL Equipment, Inc.
The Horse Washboard Janice Curington Gary Hata Judy Mildon Henry Shatford
California Agribusiness
to extend a special thank you to all of our donors who have generously The I&I Geldin Trust Barbara Dale Timothy Hays Robert Miller Gary Shintaku
Credit Union
contributed to the college this past year. Your gifts in support of California State University, Thrifty Horse Jaime Dance Carol Heit Roger Miller George Shropshire
ValleyCrest Companies Carol Daoussis-Perera Donald Henry Teri Miller George Sicre
student scholarships, programming, CoA facilities, and faculty provide Northridge
Vons James Davis Ana Herrera Marita Mondares Burton Silva
CentreScapes Inc
a foundation on which we can deliver an excellent “learn by doing” Waldman Family Trust Frank De Anda Frank Hewitt Christian Montenegro Lawrence Simon
Chino Welding and
education for our students. Your support also gets us closer to achieving Assembly Western Association of Christine DeCarlo Mark Hodnick Raymond Moon Ted Singer
Food Chains, Inc. Jeremy Del Moral Melinda Hostetler Michael Moore Alfredine Slaby-Wunderli
Cal Poly Pomona’s Comprehensive Campaign goal of $150 million. Coast Landscape Mngmt
Year Around Garden Club Robert Denewiler Jim Huie Allan Mooser Hal Slan
Colorama Nursery
Yorba Linda Feed Store Sig Diamond Ralph Hunting Maria Moran Steven Sluser
Dole Food Company Inc.
The multi-year campaign is historic for the university. It aims to transform East Valley Emergency Pet Individuals Peggy Dogris John Hurlocker William Moran Howard Smith
Donald Domenigoni Ken Inose Amanda Moseley Robert Smith
education and research at Cal Poly Pomona. Donations will enable the Clinic, Inc
Laura Abbott Joseph Dominguez Gary Inouye Christine Mukai Roch Smith
Edison International
university to make strategic investments to attract the brightest educators; Marilou Abrajano Karina Dominguez Stanley Iversen Gregory Mukai Stephen Sommer
Contributions Campaign
build top-notch facilities; and provide scholarships to promising students. Eldad and D’Lorah Hadar Alan Abramson Efraim Donitz Debra Jackson Thomas Muller Jerome Sortomme
Craig Adams Robert Donley Lisa Jaegers Janet Mundy Timothy Sovich
Emergency Pet Clinic of
Mark Adams Edita Donnelly Jean Jambon Geraldine Muntis Alexis Spaeth
San Gabriel Valley, Inc.
To date, the university has achieved over 63% of its goal. Despite this, we Tracy Alba Paul Drew Carmen Jaramillo Casey & Barbara Murphy Donald Sprague
Farrand Enterprises Inc.
still have more we need to do. Fendon’s Furniture, Amber Alkire Eldon Dreyer Robin Jarchow Dennis Murphy Kathryn Starr
Lisa Alley-Zarkades Kerry Du Frain Merton Johnson Marie Nagano Cassandra Still
Mattress & Reupholstery
Richard Anderson Kelly Duke Thomas Jones William Nakatani Barbara Stracner
Fresh and Easy
With every gift of cash, developed real estate of agricultural property, Sharee Andrade James Duncan Fred Kalmar Naji Nassereddine Dee Dee Sussman
General Dillingham
in-kind, or planned giving, our commitment to training future leaders in Produce Industry John Andrews Glen Durrington Steven Kanegae William Nault Fain Sutherland
Reynaldo Antonio Kenneth Dyer Mary Kanian Edward Nelson Nina Tanabe
agriculture is strengthened. As a result, CoA can expand its impact on Scholarship Fund
Winton Ashton Lynn Eberle Lewis Keenan Paul Nurre Lenette Telles
Glenda Schultz Insurance
the Agricultural community through the development and enhancement Michael Babineau Christy Edmondson David Kelty Robert O’Connell Victor Teran
Golf Course Builders
of influential programs and resources. Some of the funding priorities Association Foundation Sherry Barr Robert Edwards Kathleen Kennedy Carl O’Conner Wilfried Thielen
Erik Beardsley Larry Emlet Charlotte Kerber David Okihara Frederick Thomas
necessary to achieve these goals include: Home Depot
Teresa Becker Janet Erickson James Kern Lori Oleson Virginia Thomas
IFT - Southern California
Dean Beitler Glenn Ericson Kenneth Kessler Sherry Olivier Marybeth Thornburgh
Incycle
● Endowing a chair for the Plant Science Department Inland Valley Emergency Christine Belden Michael Erlich Sehel Khan Michael Ollman Karen Tilka
Gustavo Beltran Katherine Ewing John Kienitz Judith Pasquarella Norman Todd
● Constructing a veterinary teaching facility and functional veterinary Pet Clinic, Inc. Wilbert Berg Dorothy Farias George Kimm Theodore Pate Monica Torres
It’s Garden Thyme
center Peter Bergstrom Vanessa Farias Barbara Kirby Norman Patino Nam Tran
J.G. Boswell Foundation
● Expanding the AGRIscapes complex with the addition of a plant Jim Hicks & Company Bernard Bernheim Deborah Fausch Roger Kirkham Sherry Pawneshing Helene Udolph
Wayne Bidlack Guinevere Fausch William Kissick Diane Pearl Lawrence Vad
tissue culture lab John Deere Landscapes
Melinda Bingham Kurt Fausch Charles Klinakis Ellen Pearson Dennis Vinopal
Kellogg Supply, Inc.
Ruth Blumkin Velen Fehrs Ken Knipe Mark Pentecost Aileen Vo
Kessler & Kessler
To that end, we will continue to call upon our community of alumni, Larry and Paulette Parsons Brandi Bogner Joanne Feldner Melodie Knuchell Tommy Pham Kurt Voss
Helen Bonner Shelby Filley Gina Koch Gary Platner William Vuong
faculty, parents, and friends for support. Your collective leadership can Cohen
Jeffery Bowen Dana Fitzer Patricia Kohlmeier Sydney Pokard Birane Wane
Law Offices of Thomas W.
be the future powerbrokers of the agricultural industry. You can have an Travis Bowen Burt Fjellstrom Ray Koopman Stacy Potter Raymond Watje
Falvey
opportunity to participate in this transformational journey. Mariposa Landscape William Brandenberg Harold Fox Frank Korkmazian Nancy Power Kathryn Watrous
Caroline Brandt Ronnie Fox Judith Kovacevich Jeff Prilliman Danny Wheeler
McKee Palms
Norris Brandt Mary-Kate Francesco Charles Krag Carol Proctor Michael Whitlow
Me-Leichs Arabians
Michael Bravo Joseph Franco James Kriste Jonathan Purvin Kathy Whitmore
Netafim
Pamela Bromlow Victoria Fraser Michael Kriste Gabriela Ramirez Roy Wiersma
Neuroedge Carlson
Micki Brown Lori Frear Jerry Kwock Javin Ramos Harvey Wilkins
Chiropractic
Charlene Buckley Jana Freedman Patricia LaRue Myer Rashe Toni Williams
Norco Horsemen’s Assn
To learn more about Cal Poly’s Comprehensive Campaign and the CoA’s Olive Hill LLC Michelle Bukowski Robert Freeland Kathryn Lacey Dale Rice Bill Winans
Patricia Burton Richard Frencer Robin Lee Steven Ries Russell Wojcik
campaign priorities, please visit the campaign website at Pesticide Applicators
Randall Bush Terrance Fujimoto William Lenox Harrie Riley Thomas Wolfe
Professional Assn
www.yourcalpolypomona.com. For questions about the campaign, Kim Buskirk Celestina Galindo Barbara Levine Lani Ritchey Sharon Woodward
Rain Bird Corporation
please contact Kristen Daley, University Advancement, at [phone] or Raytheon Company (GM) Mary Campbell Melissa Garza Olga Lichten Chester Robinson Leo Yamamoto
Paul Cardenas Donn Geisinger Ana Lima-Vasquez Paul Robinson Hugh Yamshon
at [email protected]. Robert’s Construction, Inc.
Lesa Careccia Richard Giguere Tin Liu Maria Rojas Mon Yee
Rogers & Company
Carey Carpenter Jean Gipe Joseph Lobue Yvonne Rosales Richard York
SCC Cardinal Professional
Janet Carpenter Benjamin Goodwin Cheryl Longo Glen Rose Lester Young
Products
Kathryn Carriker David Graber Bridget Lott Valerie Rose
Saddle Sore Saloon, Inc.
Alfred Cavaletto Dallas Green Damien Lott Carol Rouse
Sims Tree Health
Michael Cavaletto Christina Grubbs Janet Luke Theodore Rue
Specialists, Inc
Federico Ceballos Roger Haddad Ralph Madery Leslie Russak
*List includes donors to the College of Agriculture from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS ARI RESEARCH
Computer-Aided Vision Systems

Two projects spearheaded by Cal Poly Pomona College of Agriculture
T h e S e e d o f T h i n g s t o C o m e
faculty were among TEN selected for funding by the University
CPP and UC Faculty by David W. Still, Director, Agriculture Research Institute
of California’s Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Seeds are where our food supply begins. As such they are the world’s most important agricultural product. Before
Team Up on A total of 44 proposals were submitted which addressed
any seed is sold and planted, it must first be subjected to a battery of tests designed to gauge its ability to germinate
high priority issues in agriculture, natural resources and
and establish a plant in the field. Seed companies and commercial seed testing laboratories typically evaluate
Ag Research
human sciences. Each of the winning proposals received thousands of seed lots each year based on standards set by the International Seed Testing Association.
a $10,000 grant which will help foster collaboration among
Today, virtually all seed quality assessment is performed by humans with little to no automation. The information in these tests
California’s colleges and universities. is used by the agriculture industry to make decisions on the quality of the seed, inventory control, and the probability of the seed
to germinate once planted. The seed evaluation process begins by counting seeds into groups of 50 or 100 seeds, placing
the seeds into Petri dishes or onto special paper towels, and then subjecting the seeds to an assortment of environmental
stresses (usually temperature and dark/light cycles) and observing how many seeds germinate and if the resultant seedlings are
“normal” or “abnormal”. Understanding the biology behind how a seed germinates under environmentally-imposed stresses is
becoming increasingly important as climate change is likely to produce a less predictable environment and one typified by larger
Dr. Shelton Murinda, Animal & Veterinary Sciences (AVS) Department, is working with Dr.
environmental fluctuation.
Nyles G. Peterson, U. C. Davis Cooperative Extension, San Bernardino County, and Mr.
Henry Siegel, CEO of Magnes Magnetica, LLC in Silverlake, CA, to explore new technologies
To add to this challenge, only a small percentage of seeds will germinate even if given the correct amount of water, temperature
for the detection, monitoring, and treatment of mastitis in dairy cows. Students from the
and light—which is part of a plant’s survival strategy. How a seed monitors its environment and makes the “decision” to germinate
AVS Department will also be involved in the project. “The mentoring the students will receive
or remain dormant is one of the top unsolved biological mysteries. The types of experiments needed to unravel the inner
in the field and laboratory, and the skills they will acquire are relevant to their professional
workings of seed germination require the scientists to typically work with large numbers (hundreds) of genetic populations. Due
development and could lead to careers in the dairy industry,” said Dr. Murinda.
to limitations of space and labor, a bottleneck exists in evaluating seed germination both for commercial and research purposes.
Clearly, agriculture in California and worldwide would benefit from an automated system.
Mastitis is a disease characterized by inflammation of the udder and results in an estimated
loss of $200 per cow per year in the United States. Mastitis is an animal welfare concern and
Dr. Amar Raheja, a professor of Computer Science and an expert
also a food safety issue to those who consume raw milk and raw milk products. It is hoped
in the field of image processing and computer vision at Cal Poly
that the use of new technology will result in early detection and improved treatment of the
Pomona, is hoping to streamline this process. The goal of his
disease and have a positive impact on the profitability of the dairy industry.
research is to develop an imaging system that will be capable of
capturing images of seeds at various time intervals as the seeds
germinate. Importantly, the software will be able to accurately
art
identify all the seeds in a Petri dish and for each seed determine w
e
St
if germination has occurred. The experiments are performed a
n
n
Dr. Muditha Senanayake, Apparel Merchandising & Management (AMM) over multiple days during which the seeds in each Petri dish ea
D
Department and Dr. Michelle Raheja, Department of English at U. C. Riverside, will are photographed multiple times. The software must keep track by
o
be assessing the technology literacy of minority college students of the Colleges of of hundreds of Petri dishes in a typical experiment in order to hot
P
Agriculture, Cal Poly Pomona, and Humanities and Social Sciences at UCR. They calculate the information needed to assess the vigor and viability
L to R: Matthew Gialich, Dr. Amar Raheja, Subhobroto Sinha, Anthony
will be looking for literacy gaps for success in respective programs by comparing the of each seed lot or among the different genetic materials being
Tran and Chao Li with the device they will use to scan seeds.
technology literacy levels of these students with what is expected in each College. screened. These germination tests are very laborious, time
“The ultimate objective of this research,” said Dr. Senanayake “is to find ways to consuming, and expensive to perform. A distinct advantage of this system is that it provides a record of each Petri dish over time
ensure that students beginning their higher education have, or will quickly develop, so a human can assess its accuracy by inspecting the photographs at a later time.
the information and technology literacy skills they need to complete their studies.
Further, this research will assist in graduating students that have the requisite skills to be Although Dr. Raheja’s research group is focused on improving the efficiency of seed analysis, it has applications beyond assessing
productive lifelong learners in their chosen careers.” The research results will be shared seed germination. For example, the software can calculate differences in seed size, which may be useful to plant breeders
with the two colleges to assist in the development of programs which support minority interested in changing the size of the seeds (rice, corn, for example) harvested from crop plants.
students’ success in higher education.
The Raheja group is working to provide a fast and reliable solution to a routine and mundane process of seed testing with the hope
to make seed research move at a significantly faster pace. The same system will help seed testing labs and companies increase
throughput and additionally provide a more detailed analysis of the seeds to their clients.
16 COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE | CALIFORNIA STATE POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY, POMONA AGRICOLUMN MAGAZINE | FALL 2011 | WWW.CSUPOMONA.EDU/AGRI 17